AI startup Cognition seeks $2B valuation / U.S., U.K. sign AI safety agreement / Apple develops AI system [EN]

Cognition Labs is negotiating a funding round that could value it at $2B, the U.S. and U.K. have formed a partnership to enhance AI safety, Google's AI-powered search is criticized for inaccuracies, Apple develops an AI system for improved Siri interactions, and Yum Brands invests in AI and automation to enhance efficiency and sales across its restaurant chains.

Host 1:"Good day, fellow tech aficionados! Joining me is my inquisitive colleague, the Sultan of Trivia."
Host 2:"Factoids? I much prefer the term 'fact factory,' if you don't mind. Thank you ever so much."
Host 1:(chuckles) Well, "Fact Factory," let's dive right in, shall we? We've got some absolutely riveting AI news to unravel today. Isn't that the truth, ladies and gentlemen?
Host 2:"Absolutely splendid! Let's kick off with the latest buzz surrounding Cognition Labs - they're currently in the midst of a funding round that could skyrocket their value to a staggering $2 billion. Yes, that's billion with a 'B', ladies and gentlemen. Quite the substantial development, wouldn't you agree?"
Host 1:"Quite the deluge of zeros, isn't it? If only they could spare a few for my next tech gadget splurge."
Host 2:"Ah, good luck with that! Meanwhile, the U.S. and U.K. are pooling their brainpower to enhance the safety of AI. Quite a departure from their usual collaboration on the 'Crown' series, wouldn't you say?"
Host 1:"Oh, you never fail to amuse me. Setting jests aside, this marks a monumental stride for global AI safety, wouldn't you agree?"
Host 2:"Quite right. However, it appears that not all is smooth sailing in the realm of AI. Google's AI-powered search seems to have encountered a hiccup with some inaccuracies. Who would have thought that even robots could have their off days?"
Host 1:"Quite right. And on the topic of mishaps, Apple finds itself in the midst of a valiant effort to rectify Siri's glitches with a new AI system. Perhaps now she'll be inclined to play my preferred tune instead of her own personal selection."
Host 2:"Ah, the trials and tribulations of dealing with Siri! And to top it off, Yum Brands is now wholeheartedly embracing AI and automation to turbocharge efficiency and sales across its restaurant chains. So, the next time you're placing an order for a pizza, don't be taken aback if a robot is the one at your service."
Host 1:"As long as it manages to get my order right, count me in. So, ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts. We're about to delve deep into these stories. Stay tuned, you wouldn't want to miss what's coming up."
Host 1:"Ah, my esteemed colleague, you're our resident tech guru. Have you caught wind of the latest from Cognition Labs?"
Host 2:"Indeed, you're referring to the AI startup that's been creating quite a buzz with its AI coding tool, Devin? I've been keeping a close watch on them. They're currently in discussions to secure funding at a valuation of up to $2 billion. Quite the abundance of zeros, wouldn't you say?"
Host 1:"That's quite the astronomical leap from their previous valuation of $350 million. They must be hitting all the right notes, and by 'right,' I do mean absolutely splendidly right."
Host 2:"Absolutely. They secured a £21 million Series A funding round earlier this year, led by Founders Fund. For those not in the know, Founders Fund is a venture capital firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal. And now, several Silicon Valley venture firms, including Founders Fund, are contemplating investing in Cognition's current funding round."
Host 1:"Quite remarkable. But what's even more captivating is their shift from being a cryptocurrency company to centering on AI. It's akin to exchanging gold for a diamond mine, wouldn't you say?"
Host 2:"Indeed, their AI coding tool Devin is quite the marvel. It's crafted on OpenAI technology and is being celebrated as 'the world’s first fully autonomous AI software engineer.' Its capabilities extend to handling intricate coding tasks such as the creation of personalized websites. Quite the technological gem, wouldn't you agree?"
Host 1:"So, it's not just churning out code like some chatbots, but it's also devising solutions and can write, test, and implement the code? It's akin to having a software engineer who never requires a coffee break."
Host 2:"Absolutely. It's akin to having an indefatigable AI software engineer. It's reminiscent of something straight out of a sci-fi flick, wouldn't you say?"
Host 1:"It's truly remarkable to witness the remarkable strides in technology. I'm eagerly anticipating the next chapter for Cognition Labs and their AI coding tool, Devin. To our esteemed listeners, do keep a keen eye on this space. The future has arrived, and it's scripting its own destiny!"
Host 1:"Always discussing the latest advancements in AI tech, aren't we?"
Host 2:"Absolutely! It's as if we've stepped into a sci-fi masterpiece with all these remarkable AI advancements. I do adore my Star Trek, but this is becoming quite the reality, isn't it?"
Host 1:"Quite the fascinating development, isn't it? The U.S. and the U.K. have decided to collaborate in delving into the potential risks posed by advanced AI models. It's almost like a superhero team-up, but for the safety of AI!"
Host 2:"A bilateral arrangement on AI safety? How intriguing! So, what's the grand strategy, then?"
Host 1:"Quite the intriguing collaboration, isn't it? The U.K.'s newly established AI Safety Institute and its upcoming U.S. counterpart are set to engage in a knowledge exchange, and they may even swap researchers for short-term assignments. It's almost reminiscent of an international student exchange program, but tailored for the brilliant minds in the field of AI."
Host 2:"Quite fascinating, isn't it? It's not just a knowledge exchange; they're also planning to conduct independent evaluations of private AI models, aren't they?"
Host 1:"Quite right! It's akin to the collaboration between the U.K.'s Government Communications Headquarters and the U.S. National Security Agency, isn't it?"
Host 2:"Quite a serious endeavor, isn't it? The forthcoming generation of AI models has the potential to be true game-changers. We're delving into capabilities that are still shrouded in mystery, aren't we?"
Host 1:"Indeed, it's not just the U.S. and U.K. mulling over this matter. Last November, a consortium of global powers put forth non-binding guidelines on the development and implementation of AI models by companies. Quite the international symphony of thought, wouldn't you say?"
Host 2:"Non-binding, yet still quite crucial. It's akin to a gentle nudge to keep a watchful eye on AI model infrastructure, thoroughly vet software suppliers, detect any potential tampering, and ensure that the staff is well-versed in cybersecurity measures."
Host 1:"Absolutely! It's akin to a comprehensive manual for navigating the uncharted waters of AI. So, dear listeners, do keep a vigilant eye on your AI models! Perhaps you could utilize your cybersecurity expertise to shed light on these guidelines in our upcoming episode? Quite an intriguing prospect, wouldn't you say?"
Host 2:"Absolutely! Delighted to oblige. And to our esteemed listeners, do bear in mind, the wielding of great AI power necessitates an equally great sense of responsibility!"
Host 1:"I say, our resident tech whiz! I've caught wind of some rather intriguing developments with Google's AI-powered search. Do enlighten us with the details, won't you?"
Host 2:"Ah, you're referring to the Search Generative Experience, or SGE, I presume? It's been causing quite a stir, hasn't it?"
Host 1:"Quite the commotion, isn't it? More like a full-blown tech tempest! The Washington Post reported it's been churning out all sorts of nonsense, even conjuring up facts out of thin air!"
Host 2:Quite right. It's akin to a game of Chinese whispers gone awry. It once purported that there were "lengthy queues and absurd waiting times" at a San Francisco eatery that doesn't even exist!
Host 1:"The impertinence of it all! Not only is it fabricating fanciful tales, but it's also displaying a predilection for substandard websites as sources. It's akin to seeking counsel on quantum physics from a mere toddler!"
Host 2:"Quite the hyperbole, I must say, but I do see your point. SE Ranking's analysis revealed that the social Q&A site Quora emerged as the most frequently linked source by SGE, closely followed by LinkedIn and Reddit."
Host 1:"So, it's not exactly drawing from the cream of the crop. However, Google's VP in charge of SGE, Elizabeth Reid, did mention that it's a work in progress."
Host 2:"Quite right, she did mention that the 'hallucination rates' have seen a significant drop since May. However, the absence of exact numbers does raise a few eyebrows, doesn't it?"
Host 1:"It's akin to boasting about shedding a few pounds without disclosing the actual figure, isn't it? Nonetheless, this could present a splendid opportunity for Google's rivals, don't you think?"
Host 2:"Ah, indeed! Have you heard about Perplexity, the generative AI search engine that's positioning itself as a rival to Google? It's just secured a staggering $73.6 million in funding from investors, including none other than Jeff Bezos."
Host 1:"Quite the substantial sum, isn't it? It shall be most intriguing to observe how this unfolds. However, for the present, let us harbor the hope that Google's AI ceases its flights of fancy posthaste! And to our esteemed listeners, do keep a watchful eye on this domain for further updates!"
Host 1:"In the midst of all this tech talk, one can't help but ponder the fascinating advancements Apple has been making with AI and Siri. Have you heard about this?"
Host 2:Absolutely! I've been keeping a close watch on it. It's akin to a scene from a futuristic film unfolding before our very eyes! However, let's not overlook the developments in the world of cryptocurrency. Have you caught wind of the recent surge in Bitcoin?
Host 1:"Ah, you and your Bitcoin! Always keeping us on our toes. For those who might not know, Bitcoin is a form of digital currency, my dear listeners. And here we have our esteemed resident expert."
Host 2:"Ah, I wouldn't quite label myself an expert, but I do endeavor to stay abreast of the latest trends. And speaking of trends, did you happen to catch wind of Siri's newfound ability to comprehend and respond to more intricate commands? It's akin to having a personal assistant at one's beck and call!"
Host 1:"Fascinating, isn't it? And just a tad unnerving, wouldn't you agree? But let's not allow ourselves to get too carried away. We'll be back after a brief intermission, ladies and gentlemen. Stay tuned for more captivating tech discussions!"
Host 2:"Indeed, they're quite bold in their investments. Last year, Yum Brands poured a substantial $21 million into digital, tech, and innovation capabilities, a significant leap from the $11 million in 2022. As Yum's chief digital and technology manager Joe Park eloquently put it, 'If one ponders the myriad possibilities for AI-powered enhancements within a restaurant, the potential appears boundless.'"
Host 2:"Ah, you're referring to the conglomerate behind Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC? Indeed, I did come across that piece of news. They seem to be delving headfirst into the realm of technology to streamline expenses and bolster their sales. It's almost reminiscent of a science fiction narrative, albeit with an abundance of tacos and a conspicuous absence of extraterrestrial beings."
Host 2:"And the intrigue doesn't end there. They've integrated generative AI into their SuperApp to address employee queries. Furthermore, they're experimenting with AI to suggest supply orders, fine-tune menu offerings and pricing, and even deliver personalized promotions to patrons based on data. It's akin to having an astute assistant who anticipates your every desire."
Host 2:Indeed, a fully autonomous restaurant powered by AI made its debut this year in Pasadena, California. The "CaliExpress by Flippy" establishment boasts a "BurgerBot" for grilling patties and a short-order cooking robot named Flippy, developed by Miso Robotics. It's as if we've stepped right into the future!
Host 1:"It's quite intriguing to observe how AI is shaping the future of the fast-food industry. Take, for example, California's recent implementation of a $20 per hour minimum wage law for fast-food workers, which has prompted certain operators to turn to AI in order to reduce expenses and bolster sales."
Host 1:"Quite remarkable, isn't it? And were you aware that they're also utilizing image-recognition AI to tally vehicles in their drive-thrus and digital tools to oversee kitchen appliances? It's as if they're assembling a digital battalion to oversee their eateries."
Host 1:"Indeed! They're trialing generative AI in their mobile app for restaurant managers and even voice AI for taking orders from customers in drive-thrus. It's as if they're transforming their eateries into technological epicenters."
Host 1:"It's an absolutely riveting era we find ourselves in. One can't help but wonder if we'll soon find ourselves placing our meal orders with a robotic server! Quite the intriguing prospect, wouldn't you agree?"
Host 1:"Have you been keeping abreast of Yum Brands' latest foray into AI and automation? Your finger is always on the pulse of the tech world, after all."
Host 2:"And do remember to dispatch your inquiries, ladies and gentlemen. We are most eager to partake in your musings!"

AI startup Cognition seeks $2B valuation / U.S., U.K. sign AI safety agreement / Apple develops AI system [EN]
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